North Hampton Public Library & Cultural Center

Dec 2

The Modernist

The North Hampton Public Library is located right next to its predecessor - a gorgeous 1907 stone and stucco Tudor Revival building next to the ~ new ~ library. First, they’re both beautiful in complete polar opposite ways. When they were designing this, I have to imagine that they were thinking about how to future-proof their facilities. When you see the contrast between the two buildings, you have to wonder…what took so long? In addition, their programming and events are so plentiful that they clearly needed the space. I’m so glad they were able to get it because it really is a building that will allow them to grow (for another century?).

Having visited quite a few libraries in the seacoast area, they have a very unique vibe. It’s unlike anything else around. Even Portsmouth Library, which is huge and on the newer side doesn’t have quite the modern feel that NHPLCC has. That’s the word - modern.

Building Amenities

My first thought upon walking into the building was “Oh, okay, so this is a library for adults.” I don’t mean that to sound insulting to their INCREDIBLE kids area and librarian(s?). What I mean is that there a lot more rooms and amenities that adults might find useful than some other locations. There is a massive conference room, several well appointed meeting rooms, and the cafe/periodical area is fantastic with big, bright windows and laptop bars. I can’t wait for the warmer months to loop back around so that I can take advantage of the outdoor seating as well.

Yes! The cafe has a coffee bar. Yes! There’s a fireplace (several!). Yes! The parking is ample and accessible. This is another building that I prefer to work from home out of — it might actually be my favorite for that purpose.

Children’s Room

Wow. I mean, this is the crafting/activity room that other children librarians dream about. It has absolutely anything that you could possibly wish for. I appreciated that the librarian also told me where the toys that I might want to avoid for mouthy toddlers (legos) were located so that I could steer clear of it just in case. Everything is accessible to the kids so they can grab their own crafting supplies or building toys and get comfortable. I always appreciate an extensive picture book collection as well.

The Children’s Room is all the way at the back of the building, but it also has a wall/door that separates it from the rest of the library to give the adult patrons some quiet, but also it’s nice to have that barrier to stop little ones from taking off and wreaking havoc. The first room in the children’s area holds the majority of the kids book collection, a train table, and some other toys at stations located at the end of the book rows. Along the top of the shelves, there are a curated choice of seasonal books.

At the back of that room, the door leads into the craft room. There are additional shelves with books for slightly older kids (lots of science and culture). I absolutely love that they partner with Little Groove for music classes. We have done multiple sessions with them and always have a blast — we’re very fortunate that they’re expanding into NH!

Teen Room

It’s nice! Cozy. The collection is a bit lacking, BUT they know their patrons. Maybe the teens that come in have different interests and they’re catering to that. It does seem like a nice place to relax/do homework.